News

Long Beach police continue investigations of two officer-involved shootings

By Tracy Manzer Staff Writer

Posted:
01/08/2013 09:18:50 PM PST

Updated:
01/09/2013 12:50:55 PM PST

Long Beach police officer stand at the entrance to an alley where an officer shot a felony suspect on January 7, 2012.
(Jeff Gritchen / Staff Photographer)

LONG BEACH - Police on Tuesday continued with their investigation into an officer- involved shooting that left a 22-year-old Long Beach man - an alleged gang member - in critical condition.

Sokha Hor was shot Monday night by undercover officers who were searching for Hor in connection with a burglary and weapons violation case, said Sgt. Aaron Eaton, a Long Beach Police Department spokesman.

Detectives were working in the area of Fourth Street and Cherry Avenue when they came across Hor in an alley. When the undercover officers confronted the suspect, Hor pulled out a gun, prompting the officers to open fire, Eaton said.

A handgun was found at the scene and taken into evidence, the sergeant said.

Officers performed first aid on the wounded suspect until paramedics arrived and took him to a local hospital where he underwent surgery Monday. He was listed in critical condition Tuesday, Eaton said.

No officers were hurt, he said.

The ensuing investigation led police to additional weapons, both assault rifles, which were seized. Once Hor is well enough, he will face a charge of burglary and weapons violations, Eaton said.

The shooting marked the second officer-involved incident in Long Beach within the past two weeks.

A 17-year-old Long Beach youth was shot Dec. 29 after he allegedly pulled a gun on an officer investigating a call of shots fired in the 6800 block of Beechley Avenue, near the Long Beach (710) and Gardena (91) freeways.

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The first officer on scene, at about 5 a.m., found a group of people outside a home. When he contacted the group one person pulled out a gun, prompting the officer to open fire, police said.

The preliminary investigation found the 17-year-old suspect, who turned 18 on Dec. 31, was fighting with several people. During the confrontation - and prior to the arrival of police - he fired several rounds, police said.

A handgun was found at the scene, officials said.

That suspect was being held Tuesday at a local juvenile detention center on five felony counts, including assault with a firearm, and prosecutors are seeking to have him tried as an adult, said Jane Robeson, a Los Angeles County District Attorney's spokeswoman.

His name hasn't been released because of his status as a minor at the time of the crime. The 18-year-old is due back in the juvenile branch of the Long Beach Superior Court Jan. 24 and is being held without bail.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is conducting independent investigations into both shootings in addition to the police department's internal investigation, authorities said.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call the LBPD's Homicide Detail at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.